Which universities have the toughest workload?

I'm trying to figure out which universities are known for having the most intense workloads. I'm up for a challenge, but I want to prepare myself before applying. Any advice on which schools have the most rigorous academic demands?

From what I understand, MIT, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Chicago are often associated with high workload expectations.

MIT is recognized for its rigorous engineering and science programs. They emphasize problem-solving, and the large number of problem sets in the coursework could require significant time investment.

Caltech, like MIT, has a heavy emphasis on science and engineering. Caltech has a unique system where students take many of their courses on a Pass/Fail basis in the first two terms, which can help students adjust to the rigorous course load.

Johns Hopkins University is known for its excellent pre-med and biochemistry programs, which are notorious for their intensity and high standards. As a research powerhouse, Johns Hopkins encourages hands-on involvement in research projects, which can add to your academic load.

The University of Chicago has a comprehensive core curriculum that exposes students to a breadth of disciplines before they dive into their major, resulting in a challenging and varied course load in the first two years. The university is known for its rigorous academic environment and its emphasis on intellectual debate.

However, keep in mind that the perceived intensity of the workload can vary significantly from one student to another, depending on study habits, course selection, and personal time management skills. Therefore, while these schools have reputations for demanding academics, the student experience can vary.